, PhD Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

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1 Name: KORIR, Nicholas Kibet Position: Lecturer and Industry Linkages Coordinator, Department: Department of Agricultural Science and Technology P.O. Box Nairobi Research Interests 1. microrna elucidation, development of novel elucidation methods, genome analysis for specific gene families, strategies for the application of DNA markers in practical plant cultivar and variety identification 2. Development and application of innovative and appropriate crop production techniques, physiology, plant nutrition, controlled/modified growing environments, water use efficiency, weed management for horticultural crops 3. Development and deployment of interventions towards dissemination of research findings to all categories of farmers particularly the youth, women and small holders Education , PhD Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China Thesis Title: Tomato MicroRNA Analysis and Variety Identification Using DNA Markers Supervisor: Professor Jinggui Fang, Ph.D Modules included: Bioinformatics, Plant Nutrition, Plant Physiology, Biotechnology, Epigenetics, Advanced vegetable production, Tissue culture, and Genetic engineering. During my PhD I also led seminars, supervised undergraduates in the laboratory and got hands on training for effective tutoring and assessment. Current research centers on physiology, nutrition, ecology and molecular biology and epigenetics of horticultural crops , MSc Horticulture, Egerton University, Kenya Thesis Title: Influence of Nitrogen Sources and Mulch on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Greenhouse Cucumber. (Supported by the Department of Horticulture, Egerton University) Supervisors: Professor Liu Gaoqiong, Ph.D and Professor James Aguyoh Ph.D Modules included: Biostatistics, Plant Nutrition, Plant Physiology, Biotechnology, Crop i

2 pest and disease management, Soilless culture and Plant growing structures , BSc, Horticulture, Egerton University, Kenya, Upper Second Class Honours. Modules included: Assorted subjects required for complete grasp of Horticulture as a science and an art. Group project on Alternatives to conventional fertilizer application on Cole crops , Arnesen s High School, Kenya 1995 KCSE: Subjects including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathemathics, Agriculture and English, all at grades A to B + Employment Present- Lecturer- Department Agricultural Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Kenya I teach assorted agricultural courses to undergraduate and graduate students; Supervision of Masters and PhD students. Undertake research on biotechnology, crop physiology and nutrition; Development of research proposals; Field attachment and industry linkage coordination; Participate in teaching module development and review; Part Time Lecturer- Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, Kenya I taught assorted courses in horticulture to undergraduate students Research Assistant, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China I worked as part of Professor J. Fang s research group in the field of microrna elucidation, development of novel methods for small RNA analysis and gene cloning, and genome analysis for specific gene families in the key model crops of Tomato, Grapevine, Peach, Arabidopsis and other species. My thesis work involved the validation and prediction of novel mirnas and their target genes in Tomato. In addition I worked on development of strategies for the application of DNA markers in practical plant cultivar and variety identification Osho Chemical Industries Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya Duties involved leading the product promotions team to entrench and maintain agrochemicals and equipment in different market segments in Kenya and seeking new market niches, Production of agricultural programs for presentation in vernacular language radio stations, development and registration of products, Developing business among special groups and organizations ii

3 Farm Input Promotions Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Mobilizing and training stockists and farmer groups on appropriate and cost effective crop production technologies and promoting use of novel farm inputs from different agrochemical companies Skills General skills in research project management, data analysis and writing of scientific papers. Specific expertise and interests in: Laboratory Skills Various types of PCR, DNA and assorted small RNA extraction and purification as well as downstream applications Sequencing and micro array analysis and interpretation Project budgeting, programming and task allocation Tissue culture Gene transfer technology Gene editing Computing Skills: Applications: Microsoft Office Suite,, Adobe suite, Dreamweaver, Bionformatics and several other packages. Programming Languages: C#, R, Java and HTML. Operating Systems: Linux, Windows Teaching Skills: Good in teaching and Assessment. Able to make even hard topics simple and understandable Supervises practicals and research for undergraduate students Supervision of Msc and PhD Candidates Have lead several seminars for undergraduates and the working group in the college of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University; Kenyatta University and at different fora. Time Management It was important to complete my Msc and PhD within 2 and 3 years respectively, and this I did successfully. I also meet without fail, the many deadlines in my field and lab supervisory duties. I have extensive experience of juggling different tasks and bringing these to a successful conclusion. Other skills Excellent interpersonal skills Knowledge of a wide range of field and laboratory research methodologies Statistical software: extensive experience with SAS,SPSS and assorted bionformatics and genetic analysis software iii

4 Data and information collection and analysis Writing, reviewing and presenting reports and scientific papers I have a good command of English and Kiswahili and a reasonable understanding of spoken and written Mandarin and a number of Kenyan indigenous languages Conferences, Workshops and Seminars Regularly participates in scientific and policy conferences touching on agriculture and related disciplines Publications Books chapters Role of MicroRNAs and Short Interfering RNAs in Plants by Chunhua Zhang, Zhijun Shen, Ruijuan Ma, Nicholas Kibet Korir, and Mingliang Yu, in, MicroRNA and NonCoding RNA: Technology, Developments and Applications ISBN: Books Influence of Nitrogen Sources and Mulches on Greenhouse Cucumber Nicholas Korir, Liu Gaoqiong, James Aguyo. ISBN Membership in Professional Societies Horticultural Association of Kenya (HAK) Kenya Society for Agricultural Professionals (KESAP) Society of Agribusiness Advisors of Kenya (SoCAA) Recent Projects and consultancies Participatory Identification, Enhancement and Retention of Phytochemical and Nutrients in African Leafy Vegetables in Nairobi County and Three counties in Central Kenya, Ksh. 1,500,000; Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University (Co Reseacher) Regularly provides pro bono and related advisory services to stakeholders in the agricultural industry in Kenya with emphasis on technologies and interventions that can increase productivity of small holder farmers. iv

5 Conference Presentations Rosepiah Munene, Jacqueline C Kipkorir-Mwendah, Nicholas Kibet Korir, Joseph P Gweyi-Onyango. Effects of Nitrogen Forms on Growth, Yield and Quality of Amaranths Accessions in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, - Bridging The Gap Between Science, Society And Industry: Building a new generation of African Soil Scientists and Agronomists; AGRA-KU-HAK-UON-RUFORUM CONFERENCE, December 1-5, 2014 Kenyatta University, Nairobi- Kenya Interests I enjoy working with farmers and students and I have been a member of the Horticulture students associations of Egerton, Kenyatta and Nanjing Agricultural Universities. Activities involve participating in organizing crop clinics in the rural areas to give advice to farmers and giving talks to primary and high school students on the need to study agriculture. I also enjoy current affairs, radio programming and presentation for agriculture, and travelling. Referees Dr. Maina Mwangi Director, Research Support Division, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya ; mainam@gmail.com Prof. Liu Gaoqiong, Department of Crop, Horticulture and Soil Sciences Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro, Kenya. ; gaoqiong2003@yahoo.com Dr. Isaac Osuga School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya ; osuga.isaac@ku.ac.ke v